U.S. patent application number 16/025902 was filed with the patent office on 2019-02-07 for systems and methods for checking wearable device is correctly seated.
The applicant listed for this patent is iBeat, Inc.. Invention is credited to Brian Boarini, Chris Bumgardner, Behrooze Sirang, Steven Szabados, Sarah Wohlman.
Application Number | 20190043330 16/025902 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 65230442 |
Filed Date | 2019-02-07 |
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United States Patent
Application |
20190043330 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Szabados; Steven ; et
al. |
February 7, 2019 |
SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR CHECKING WEARABLE DEVICE IS CORRECTLY
SEATED
Abstract
In various embodiments, a personal emergency detection,
notification, coordination and response method and system for
individuals is disclosed. A monitoring device, for example a
digital smart watch, is configured to identify an emergency using
built-in sensors. The sensors are operable to perform spectral
analysis of skin tissues. Example sensors include: LEDs and optical
detectors for heart rate monitoring, blood perfusion checking, and
tissue oxygenation checking; acceleration sensing to sense falls
and accidents; and a GPS system for reporting the location of the
wearer to interested parties. A communication chip with an
associated antenna, and an audio chip are also included. Deviations
in vital signs are used to detect health anomalies. By aggregating
data that is anonymously collected from multiple users, the system
constructs models that are compared with data from a specific user,
to warn the user before an emergency occurs, for certain classes of
health incidents.
Inventors: |
Szabados; Steven;
(Sausalito, CA) ; Sirang; Behrooze; (San
Francisco, CA) ; Wohlman; Sarah; (Redwood City,
CA) ; Boarini; Brian; (San Francisco, CA) ;
Bumgardner; Chris; (San Francisco, CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
iBeat, Inc. |
San Francisco |
CA |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
65230442 |
Appl. No.: |
16/025902 |
Filed: |
July 2, 2018 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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15981144 |
May 16, 2018 |
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16025902 |
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15967956 |
May 1, 2018 |
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15981144 |
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62541029 |
Aug 3, 2017 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G08B 21/0453 20130101;
Y02D 10/00 20180101; G06F 1/3215 20130101; G06F 1/3287 20130101;
G08B 21/0446 20130101; G06F 1/163 20130101; G06F 1/1684
20130101 |
International
Class: |
G08B 21/04 20060101
G08B021/04; G06F 1/16 20060101 G06F001/16 |
Claims
1. A wearable device comprising: a processor; a memory containing
instructions to be executed by the processor; and a plurality of
sensors, wherein the processor is operable to utilize measurements
from the plurality of sensors to check seating status of the
wearable device on skin of a wearer of the wearable device.
2. The wearable device as described in claim 1, wherein the
plurality of sensors comprise a capacitive pad.
3. The wearable device as described in claim 1, wherein the
plurality of sensors comprise a conductive element.
4. The wearable device as described in claim 1, wherein the
plurality of sensors comprise an optical sensor.
5. The wearable device as described in claim 1, wherein the
wearable device is operable to inform the wearer that the seating
status is incorrect comprises using at least one of: display a
message, produce an audible message, produce an audible alarm,
produce a vibration, and display a picture.
6. The wearable device as described in claim 1, wherein the
wearable device is operable to maintain a history of seating status
of the wearable device and allows review of the history.
7. The wearable device as described in claim 1, wherein the
wearable device is operable to adjust its bio-metric data
processing based on the seating status.
8. The wearable device as described in claim 1, wherein the
wearable device is operable to turn off bio-metric sensing based on
the seating status.
9. A method for detecting seating of a wearable device, the method
comprising: reading measurements from a plurality of sensors with a
processor of the wearable device; and analyzing the measurements
with the processor to check seating status of the wearable device
on skin of a wearer of the wearable device.
10. The method as described in claim 9, wherein the plurality of
sensors comprise a capacitive pad.
11. The method as described in claim 9, wherein the plurality of
sensors comprise a conductive element.
12. The method as described in claim 9, wherein the plurality of
sensors comprise an optical sensor.
13. The method as described in claim 9, further comprising:
informing the wearer that the seating status is incorrect comprises
the wearable device performing at least one of: displaying a
message, producing an audible message, producing an audible alarm,
producing a vibration, and displaying a picture.
14. The method as described in claim 9, further comprising:
maintaining a history of seating status with the processor.
15. The method as described in claim 9, further comprising:
adjusting bio-metric data processing based on the seating status
with the processor.
16. A wearable device comprising: a processor; a memory containing
instructions to be executed by the processor; a plurality of
capacitive pad sensors; a plurality of conductive sensors; and a
plurality of optical sensors; wherein the processor is operable to
utilize measurements from the plurality of capacitive pad sensors,
the plurality of conductive sensors, and the plurality of optical
sensors to check seating status of the wearable device on skin of a
wearer of the wearable device.
17. The wearable device as described in claim 16, wherein the
wearable device is operable to inform the wearer that the seating
status is incorrect comprises at least one of: display a message,
produce an audible message, produce an audible alarm, produce a
vibration, and display a picture.
18. The wearable device as described in claim 16, wherein the
wearable device is operable to maintain a history of seating status
of the wearable device and allows review of the history.
19. The wearable device as described in claim 16, wherein the
wearable device is operable to adjust its bio-metric data
processing based on the seating status.
20. The wearable device as described in claim 16, wherein the
wearable device is operable to turn off bio-metric sensing based on
the seating status.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 15/981,144 filed May 16, 2018, entitled
"Systems and Methods for Personal Emergency," by Ryan HOWARD et
al., which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent
Application No. 62/541,029 filed Aug. 3, 2017, entitled "A Personal
Emergency System for Emergency Identification, Emergency
Notification, and Emergency Response for an Individual," by Ryan
HOWARD et al., which are hereby incorporated by reference.
[0002] This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 15/967,956 filed May 1, 2018, entitled "Skin
Tissue Sensor Device," by Steven Szabados, which claims the benefit
of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/583,312 filed Nov. 8,
2017, entitled "Dermal and Cardiovascular Spectroscopic Sensor," by
Steven Szabados, which are hereby incorporated by reference.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Health monitoring devices have become available in a
wearable format, such as worn on a user's wrist. Many of them have
the capability to monitor heart rate but are limited with respect
to system intelligence. There is a need in the art for improved
devices as well as improved methods for interfacing with them, to
enable more sophisticated analysis of vital signs, more effective
engagement of available resources, and overall more timely
assistance to users undergoing health emergencies. There is a
further need for a system architecture that can aggregate data from
multiple users anonymously, perform analysis on the data collected,
compare user data with behavioral models or standards determined
from the analysis, and predict a health emergency before it would
otherwise occur.
SUMMARY
[0004] Various embodiments in accordance with the present
disclosure can relate to the field of wearable health sensors, and
more particularly to intelligent systems comprising wearable health
sensors.
[0005] In various embodiments, a wearable device includes a
processor, a memory containing instructions to be executed by the
processor, and a plurality of sensors. In addition, the processor
is operable to utilize measurements from the plurality of sensors
to check seating status of the wearable device on skin of a wearer
of the wearable device.
[0006] In various embodiments, the plurality of sensors of the
previous paragraph includes a capacitive pad. In various
embodiments, the plurality of sensors of the previous paragraph
includes a conductive element. In various embodiments, the
plurality of sensors of the previous paragraph includes an optical
sensor. In various embodiments, the wearable device of the previous
paragraph is operable to inform the wearer that the seating status
is incorrect includes using at least one of: display a message,
produce an audible message, produce an audible alarm, produce a
vibration, and display a picture. In various embodiments, the
wearable device of the previous paragraph is operable to maintain a
history of seating status of the wearable device and allows review
of the history. In various embodiments, the wearable device of the
previous paragraph is operable to adjust its bio-metric data
processing based on the seating status. In various embodiments, the
wearable device of the previous paragraph is operable to turn off
bio-metric sensing based on the seating status.
[0007] In various embodiments, a method for detecting seating of a
wearable device, the method includes reading measurements from a
plurality of sensors with a processor of the wearable device.
Furthermore, the method includes analyzing the measurements with
the processor to check seating status of the wearable device on
skin of a wearer of the wearable device.
[0008] In various embodiments, the plurality of sensors of the
previous paragraph includes a capacitive pad. In various
embodiments, the plurality of sensors of the previous paragraph
includes a conductive element. In various embodiments, the
plurality of sensors of the previous paragraph includes an optical
sensor. In various embodiments, the method of the previous
paragraph further includes informing the wearer that the seating
status is incorrect includes the wearable device performing at
least one of: displaying a message, producing an audible message,
producing an audible alarm, producing a vibration, and displaying a
picture. In various embodiments, the method of the previous
paragraph further includes maintaining a history of seating status
with the processor. In various embodiments, the method of the
previous paragraph further includes adjusting bio-metric data
processing based on the seating status with the processor.
[0009] In various embodiments, a wearable device includes a
processor, a memory containing instructions to be executed by the
processor, a plurality of capacitive pad sensors, a plurality of
conductive sensors, and a plurality of optical sensors. Moreover,
the processor is operable to utilize measurements from the
plurality of capacitive pad sensors, the plurality of conductive
sensors, and the plurality of optical sensors to check seating
status of the wearable device on skin of a wearer of the wearable
device.
[0010] In various embodiments, the wearable device of the previous
paragraph is operable to inform the wearer that the seating status
is incorrect includes at least one of: display a message, produce
an audible message, produce an audible alarm, produce a vibration,
and display a picture. In various embodiments, the wearable device
of the previous paragraph is operable to maintain a history of
seating status of the wearable device and allows review of the
history. In various embodiments, the wearable device of the
previous paragraph is operable to adjust its bio-metric data
processing based on the seating status. In various embodiments, the
wearable device of the previous paragraph is operable to turn off
bio-metric sensing based on the seating status.
[0011] While various embodiments in accordance with the present
disclosure have been specifically described within this Summary, it
is noted that the claimed subject matter are not limited in any way
by these various embodiments.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0012] Within the accompanying drawings, various embodiments in
accordance with the present disclosure are illustrated by way of
example and not by way of limitation. It is noted that like
reference numerals denote similar elements throughout the
drawings.
[0013] FIG. 1 shows a cross-sectional view of a wrist worn health
monitoring device in accordance with various embodiments of the
present disclosure.
[0014] FIG. 2 is a flow diagram that illustrates an exemplary
computer implemented method for providing timely emergency
assistance to a user whose vital signs have deviated from the
normal range in accordance with various embodiments of the present
disclosure.
[0015] FIG. 3 shows example skin-sensor configurations in
accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0016] FIG. 4 shows an example capacitive-pad-sensor circuit
implementation in accordance with various embodiments of the
present disclosure.
[0017] FIG. 5 shows a voltage-over-time graph for a capacitive pad
in accordance with various embodiments of the present
disclosure.
[0018] FIG. 6 shows an example metal-contact-sensor circuit
implementation in accordance with various embodiments of the
present disclosure.
[0019] FIG. 7 shows an exemplary asymmetric skin-sensing wearable
device in accordance with various embodiments of the present
disclosure.
[0020] FIG. 8 shows an exemplary symmetric skin-sensing wearable
device in accordance with various embodiments of the present
disclosure.
[0021] FIG. 9 shows an exemplary flowchart for detecting and
reacting to the skin-sensing measurements in accordance with
various embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0022] FIG. 10 is a block diagram of an example of a computing
system upon which one or more various embodiments described herein
may be implemented in accordance with various embodiments of the
present disclosure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0023] Reference will now be made in detail to various embodiments
in accordance with the present disclosure, examples of which are
illustrated in the accompanying drawings. While described in
conjunction with various embodiments, it will be understood that
these various embodiments are not intended to limit the present
disclosure. On the contrary, the present disclosure is intended to
cover alternatives, modifications and equivalents, which may be
included within the scope of the present disclosure as construed
according to the Claims. Furthermore, in the following detailed
description of various embodiments in accordance with the present
disclosure, numerous specific details are set forth in order to
provide a thorough understanding of the present disclosure.
However, it will be evident to one of ordinary skill in the art
that the present disclosure may be practiced without these specific
details or with equivalents thereof. In other instances, well known
methods, procedures, components, and circuits have not been
described in detail so as not to unnecessarily obscure aspects of
the present disclosure.
[0024] Some portions of the detailed descriptions that follow are
presented in terms of procedures, logic blocks, processing, and
other symbolic representations of operations on data bits within a
computer memory. These descriptions and representations are the
means used by those skilled in the data processing arts to most
effectively convey the substance of their work to others skilled in
the art. In the present disclosure, a procedure, logic block,
process, or the like, is conceived to be a self-consistent sequence
of steps or instructions leading to a desired result. The steps are
those utilizing physical manipulations of physical quantities.
Usually, although not necessarily, these quantities take the form
of electrical or magnetic signals capable of being stored,
transferred, combined, compared, and otherwise manipulated in a
computing system. It has proven convenient at times, principally
for reasons of common usage, to refer to these signals as
transactions, bits, values, elements, symbols, characters, samples,
pixels, or the like.
[0025] It should be borne in mind, however, that all of these and
similar terms are to be associated with the appropriate physical
quantities and are merely convenient labels applied to these
quantities. Unless specifically stated otherwise as apparent from
the following discussions, it is appreciated that throughout the
present disclosure, discussions utilizing terms such as "reading,"
"analyzing," "informing," "maintaining," "adjusting,"
"implementing," "inputting," "operating," "detecting," "notifying,"
"aggregating," "applying," "comparing," "engaging," "predicting,"
"recording," "determining," "identifying," "generating,"
"extracting," "receiving," "processing," "acquiring," "performing,"
"producing," "providing," "prioritizing," "arranging," "matching,"
"measuring," "storing," "signaling," "proposing," "altering,"
"creating," "computing," "loading," "inferring," or the like, refer
to actions and processes of a computing system or similar
electronic computing device or processor. The computing system or
similar electronic computing device manipulates and transforms data
represented as physical (electronic) quantities within the
computing system memories, registers or other such information
storage, transmission or display devices.
[0026] Various embodiments described herein may be discussed in the
general context of computer-executable instructions residing on
some form of computer-readable storage medium, such as program
modules, executed by one or more computers or other devices. By way
of example, and not limitation, computer-readable storage media may
comprise non-transitory computer storage media and communication
media. Generally, program modules include routines, programs,
objects, components, data structures, etc., that perform particular
tasks or implement particular abstract data types. The
functionality of the program modules may be combined or distributed
as desired in various embodiments.
[0027] Computer storage media includes volatile and nonvolatile,
removable and non-removable media implemented in any method or
technology for storage of information such as computer-readable
instructions, data structures, program modules or other data.
Computer storage media includes, but is not limited to, random
access memory (RAM), read only memory (ROM), electrically erasable
programmable ROM (EEPROM), flash memory or other memory technology,
compact disk ROM (CD-ROM), digital versatile disks (DVDs) or other
optical storage, magnetic cassettes, magnetic tape, magnetic disk
storage or other magnetic storage devices, or any other medium that
can be used to store the desired information and that can be
accessed to retrieve that information.
[0028] Communication media can embody computer-executable
instructions, data structures, and program modules, and includes
any information delivery media. By way of example, and not
limitation, communication media includes wired media such as a
wired network or direct-wired connection, and wireless media such
as acoustic, radio frequency (RF), infrared and other wireless
media. Combinations of any of the above can also be included within
the scope of computer-readable media.
[0029] In various embodiments, a personal emergency detection,
notification, coordination and response method and system for
individuals is disclosed. A monitoring device, for example a
digital smart watch, is configured to identify an emergency using
built-in sensors. The sensors are operable to perform spectral
analysis of skin tissues. Example sensors include, but are not
limited to: LEDs (light emitting diodes) and optical detectors for
heart rate monitoring, blood perfusion checking, and tissue
oxygenation checking; acceleration sensing to sense falls and
accidents; and a GPS (Global Positioning Satellite) system for
reporting the location of the wearer to interested parties. A
communication chip with an associated antenna, and an audio chip
can also be included. Deviations in vital signs are used to detect
health anomalies. In various embodiments, by aggregating data that
is anonymously collected from multiple users, the system constructs
models that are compared with data from a specific user, to warn
the user before an emergency occurs, for certain classes of health
incidents.
[0030] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of an exemplary wrist
mounted health monitoring system 10 in accordance with various
embodiments of the present disclosure. A clasp or band 1 secures
the device 10 to a user's wrist 2, and preferably employs a
stiffening element 3 to provide a suitable force for pressing the
device against the user's wrist 2. A cellular antenna 4 supports
cellular communications. A Global Navigation Satellite System
(GNSS) antenna 5 is also provided, used for communications with a
Global Navigation Satellite System, a Global Positioning Satellite
(GPS) system implemented in the United States, as well as in other
nations. A diversity antenna 6 is additionally provided to augment
the other antennas and improve their performance. A flex circuit
(not shown) embedded in the clasp or band 1 may be used to connect
the antennas to corresponding circuits on a second printed circuit
board 17, to be described.
[0031] A sensor module 7 is shown within FIG. 1, with its bottom
surface pressing against the user's skin; this module may be
described as a skin tissue sensor. Module 7 includes, but is not
limited to, a first printed circuit board 8, an array of conductive
elements or capacitors 9 for confirming good contact with the
user's wrist 2; an array of sensing circuits (not shown) associated
with the array of conductive elements or capacitors for determining
proper disposition of the skin tissue sensor relative to the user's
body; light emitting diodes (LEDs) 11 having multiple operating
frequencies; photo detectors 12 for measuring light originating
from diodes 11 that subsequently diffuses through the user's blood
and skin tissue; a temperature sensor 13 for recording ambient
temperature and supporting calibration of sensor module 7; an
accelerometer 14 for sensing falls and accidents, and for
confirming user activity; and a first microprocessor 15 for
controlling the sensor module 7. Light emitting diodes 11
preferably comprise a plurality of spaced-apart LEDs operating at
multiple frequencies. Light emitting diodes 11 and photo detectors
12 are preferably arranged in a predetermined array format, such
that absorption spectra may be measured. The absorption spectra may
be used to determine vital signs of the user, and the vital signs
may be used to make inferences about the user's health.
[0032] Within FIG. 1, an enclosure 16 surrounds a computer module
20 comprising, for example and without limitation, the following
elements: a second printed circuit board 17; an embedded subscriber
identification module (SIM) 18; cellular module 19 for supporting
cellular communications; a second microprocessor 21 for controlling
computer module 20, flash memory 22; SDRAM (synchronous dynamic
random access memory) 23; battery and power management controller
24; charging interface 25 for charging a battery (not shown); a
GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) module 26; and a
touch/display screen 27. Computer module 20 preferably also
comprises a voice chip (not shown), for signaling the user and
potential local responders.
[0033] It is noted that the health monitoring system 10 may not
include all of the elements illustrated by FIG. 1. In addition, the
health monitoring system 10 can be implemented to include one or
more elements not illustrated by FIG. 1. It is pointed out that the
health monitoring system 10 can be utilized or implemented in any
manner similar to that described and/or shown by the present
disclosure, but is not limited to such.
[0034] FIG. 2 is a flow chart of a method 200 representing a
preferred embodiment in accordance with the present disclosure.
Although specific operations are disclosed in FIG. 2, such
operations are exemplary. The method 200 may not include all of the
operations illustrated by FIG. 2. Also, method 200 may include
various other operations and/or variations of the operations shown.
Likewise, the sequence of the operations of flow diagram 200 can be
modified. It is appreciated that not all of the operations in flow
diagram 200 may be performed. In various embodiments, the
operations of the flow chart 200 are executed by the second
microprocessor 21, according to instructions contained in flash
memory 22 or SDRAM 23. Start bubble 40 is entered at power on, or
reset of health monitoring system 10. Decision block 41 determines
if the device is properly seated against the user's wrist 2, taking
advantage of bending forces generated in stiffening element 3. If
not, the method 200 proceeds to start bubble 40. If the device is
properly worn, system 10 operates sensor module 7 to determine if
dermal and cardiovascular activity is normal; this condition may
also be described as normal vital signs. Measurements involve using
the sensor module to perform spatially resolved spectroscopy, which
may be described as Near Infrared Spectroscopy (N IRS). Normal
dermal activity may comprise tissue oxygenation measurements, or
blood perfusion checking. Normal cardiovascular activity typically
comprises heart rate monitoring and detection of anomalies such as
fibrillation or unusual cardiac rhythms. Decision block 42
determines if the activity is normal or not.
[0035] If the activity measured in decision block 42 is normal, the
method 200 proceeds to decision block 41. However, if the activity
measured in decision block 42 is not normal, the wearer is notified
in block 43. The process 200 flows to decision block 44 wherein the
user is asked if he or she is okay. If the user responds in the
positive, the method 200 proceeds to start bubble 40. However, if
the user responds in the negative, location (GPS or GNSS) data is
sent in block 45 to a support network, which typically includes a
Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP). An example of a PSAP is a 911
call center, which will be engaged in block 46 by the encoded
messages from health monitoring system 10. In addition, other
medical resources may also be called upon, as in block 47. The
other resources may include medical personnel such as doctors or
nurses, or medical equipment such as defibrillators. If assistance
is offered by a local responder, then health system 10 will
coordinate the emergency response activities and assign roles to
the local responders in block 48. If either the PSAP or local
responders are available and engaged, emergency care will be
delivered to the user as in block 49.
[0036] In a preferred embodiment in accordance with the present
disclosure, health system 10 will be configurable to aggregate data
from multiple users anonymously, and apply additional analysis to
establish norms of behavior, and by comparing user data against the
norms of behavior, predict some user health emergencies before they
would otherwise occur. The additional analysis preferably includes
machine learning.
[0037] In various embodiments, a skin-sensing wearable device
checks if it being worn and how well it is seated on a person's
skin. Bio-metric sensors such as optical sensors are sensitive to
their proximity and orientation to the skin. Wearing a health
monitoring device too tightly creates pressure on the skin, changes
the skin tissue chemistry and invalidates medical diagnosis. If the
optical sensors are not seated flush to the skin, light can reflect
off the surface of the skin and contain no information related to
blood flow or cardiovascular activity. The skin-sensing wearable
device uses multiple skin-sensors of different types including
capacitive-pad-sensors and conductive elements to determine skin
proximity and pressure on the skin at different locations. The
conductive elements may be called metal-contact-sensors in the rest
of this description, but are not limited to such. The wearable
device analyzes the measurements from the multiple skin-sensors to
determine correct seating. Based on this analysis, the wearable
device informs the wearer of issues, saves battery power and
modifies the processing of the bio-metric sensor data.
[0038] FIG. 3 shows example skin-sensor configurations in
accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure. For
example, FIG. 3(a) shows four capacitive pads 310 arranged as four
segments of a circle. A capacitive pad is created by coating an
insulator with a conductive layer. The capacitive pads have an
insulating layer between the pad and the exterior of the wearable
device (e.g., 10), so the capacitive pad never touches the wearer's
skin. In one embodiment, these are just bare pads directly placed
on the PCB (e.g., 8), with the insulation being the plastic housing
of the wearable device watch case. The capacitance of the
capacitive pad varies with the proximity to the skin and the
pressure on the skin. In one embodiment the capacitive pads are
designed to be approximately 0.4 mm from the skin. The capacitive
pads are connected (or coupled) to an electronic circuit creating a
capacitive-pad-sensor. Having four capacitive-pad-sensors allows
the wearable device to take four measurements allowing it to check
for tilting in two perpendicular directions. FIG. 3(b) shows two
capacitive pads 310 arranged as two segments of a circle. Two
capacitive pads are usually easier to arrange on the wearable
device (e.g., 10) and can be used when the incorrect seating is
normally along one directional axis. FIG. 3(c) shows two capacitive
pads 310 and two metal contacts 320. In one embodiment the metal
contacts are gold plated. The metal contacts can be made from any
conductive material but should not use metals that cause irritation
from allergies, such as metals with high nickel content. In various
embodiments, the metal contacts directly contact the skin and have
a much higher signal to noise ratio but can involve more difficult
mechanical and electrical considerations. For example, it is
desirable for the metal contact circuit to have electrostatic
discharge (ESD) protection since it is exposed to the world. The
metal contacts 320 can be made from any conductive material that
does not cause irritation. The metal contacts 320 are connected to
an electronic circuit creating a metal-contact-sensor. The
configuration of FIG. 3(c) provides multiple, different types of
measurements which can be important when factors such as skin
moisture content and hair influence the capacitive measurements.
Moist skin creates a stronger signal (e.g., more capacitance), and
hair makes it worse by creating small air gaps. FIG. 3(d) shows two
metal contacts 320 arranged vertically. The configuration of FIG.
3(d) involves minimal surface area on the wearable device. FIG.
3(e) shows four metal contacts 320 arranged vertically and
horizontal. The configuration of FIG. 3(d) allows measurements in
two perpendicular directions and involves a relatively small
surface area on the wearable device.
[0039] FIG. 4 shows an example capacitive-pad-sensor circuit
implementation 400 in accordance with various embodiments of the
present disclosure. The capacitive pad 310 is connected to the
power supply (Vss) 410 through resistor 420. In this example, the
general-purpose input/output (GPIO) capability 430 of a
microprocessor or micro-controller-unit (MCU) 15 (FIG. 1) controls
the capacitive pad 310. When the MCU 15 sets the GPIO 430 pin to
ground (GND), the capacitive pad 310 discharges all the current
quickly. When the MCU 15 allows the GPIO 430 pin to float, the
capacitive pad 310 accumulates a charge. The MCU 15 measures the
voltage of the GPIO 430 and uses the voltage rise time to estimate
the capacitance and skin proximity. In one embodiment, a battery
inside the wearable device (e.g., 10) provides a 1.8V (volts) power
supply and the resistor has a resistance of 1 M Ohms
(mega-ohms).
[0040] FIG. 5 shows a voltage-over-time graph 500 for a capacitive
pad (e.g., 310) in accordance with various embodiments of the
present disclosure. The voltage at the GPIO input rises to Vss with
a time constant proportional to the resistance (R) times the
capacitance of the capacitive pad. At time TO the MCU allows the
GPIO pin to float. The voltage rise time is measured by a MCU timer
beginning at TO and stopping when the GPIO voltage crosses a
voltage threshold (Vthresh). The voltage rise time is typically
measured in micro-seconds. In one embodiment the measurements are
repeated and averaged to get more accuracy. In one example, an
initial rise time of 100 micro-seconds indicates normal proximity
and an initial rise time of 150 micro-seconds indicates touching
the skin. The amount of charge the pad can store varies with the
capacitance of the pad, which is affected by the proximity of
skin.
[0041] FIG. 6 shows an example metal-contact-sensor circuit
implementation 600 in accordance with various embodiments of the
present disclosure. The metal contact 320 is connected to the power
supply (Vss) 610 through resistor 620. In this example, the
general-purpose input/output (GPIO) capability 430 of a
micro-controller-unit (MCU) controls the metal contact 320. When
the MCU sets the GPIO pin to ground (GND) the metal contact 320
discharges all the current quickly. When the MCU allows the GPIO
pin to float, the metal contact accumulates a charge. The MCU
measures the voltage and uses the voltage rise time to estimate the
capacitance and skin proximity. The metal-contact-sensor circuit
uses ESD protection diodes 640 between the metal contact 320 and
both Vss 610 and ground 650. The measurement is carried out in the
same way as for a capacitive-pad-sensor, where the rise time
changes with the amount of charge the pin will store. The amount of
charge changes dramatically when in contact with skin.
[0042] FIG. 7 shows an exemplary, asymmetric skin-sensing wearable
device in accordance with various embodiments of the present
disclosure. The skin-sensing wearable device enclosure 16 houses
the skin-sensors 310 and 320; the LEDs 710, 720 and 730; and the
optical sensors 12. In this example LED 710 transmits red light,
LED 720 transmits infra-red light and LED 730 transmits green
light. The optical sensors 12 are photo-diodes and sense the LED
light. The magnitude of the various LED lights measured at the
different photo-diodes 12 is used to detect oxygenation of the skin
and detect medical issues. Ambient light interferes with
photo-diode measurements and the photo-diode sensors 12 have
ambient-light correction capabilities that helps them distinguish
LED light from ambient light. If the wearable device is incorrectly
seated, the ambient light may be sufficient to saturate the
photo-diode and invalidate any measurements. Incorrect seating
alters the angles between the LEDs and the photo-diodes 12 and this
also affects the photo-diode measurements. Undue pressure from the
wearable device onto the skin changes the skin tissue chemistry and
interferes with the medical diagnosis. The skin-sensing wearable
device uses both capacitive pads 310 and metal contacts 320 to
check the seating of the skin-sensing wearable device on a person's
wrist. In this example, the LED and optical sensor layout is
asymmetric.
[0043] FIG. 8 shows an exemplary, symmetric skin-sensing wearable
device in accordance with various embodiments of the present
disclosure. FIG. 8 shows the same components as in FIG. 7 except
that the LED and optical sensor layout is symmetric.
[0044] FIG. 9 shows an exemplary flowchart 900 for detecting and
reacting to the skin-sensing measurements in accordance with
various embodiments of the present disclosure. In one embodiment,
the wearable device (e.g., 10) is controlled by the MCU (e.g., 15).
The MCU executes software instructions that detect and react to the
skin-sensing measurements. In various embodiments, the operations
of the flowchart 900 are executed by the first microprocessor or
MCU 15, according to instructions contained in flash memory 22 or
SDRAM 23. In step S910 the wearable device (e.g., 10) reads
measurements from both the skin-sensors and the optical-sensors
(e.g., 12). The skin-sensors include any capacitive-pad-sensors
(e.g., 310) and any metal-contact-sensors (e.g., 320). In various
embodiments, the sole purpose of the skin-sensors is to check skin
proximity and for correct device seating on the body. The primary
purpose of the optical sensors is to detect medical issues but
their measurements can also be used to check for correct device
seating on the wrist or appropriate body part. In one embodiment,
the skin-sensor measurements are taken twice every second, but is
not limited to such. In various embodiments, the wearable device
has the option to use a moving average of the skin-sensor
measurements.
[0045] In step S920 the wearable device analyzes the sensor
measurements and determines how well the wearable device is seated
on the body. Prior to normal use the sensors are calibrated. A
base-line measurement is taken for each sensor when the wearable
device is not being worn. In one embodiment, the wearable device
uses a second normal-baseline measurement for each sensor when the
wearable device is correctly seated. This is the expected sensor
measurement during normal operation. The sensor readings can be
analyzed using a variety of methods. For example, in various
embodiments, device tilting can be determined by comparing the
measurements of two, partnered skin-sensors, located perpendicular
to the tilt axis. In a first embodiment, each sensor measurement is
compared to its partner sensor's measurement and if the difference
is greater than a pre-defined threshold the wearable device
concludes that the wearable device is incorrectly seated. For
example, a wearable device may have two capacitive-pad-sensors
(e.g., 310). Both provide measurements 100 units above the baseline
when the wearable device is sitting correctly. When the wearable
device is tilted up, one side will remain in good contact, and the
other will lift off the skin and read a lower value. The first
capacitive-pad-sensor still measures 100 units above the baseline,
but the second capacitive-pad-sensor measures 60 units above
baseline indicating it is not making as good of contact. In a
second embodiment, each sensor measurement is compared to its
normal-baseline measurement and if the difference is greater than a
pre-defined threshold the wearable device concludes that the
wearable device is incorrectly seated. In a third embodiment, the
optical sensor measurements are considered. If the optical sensor
measurements are normal (e.g., within a threshold) the wearable
device considers the wearable device correctly seated regardless of
the skin-sensor measurements. The wearable device determines if the
wearable device is being worn by comparing the current sensor
measurements to the not-being-worn baseline measurements. The
wearable device also determines if the wearable device is causing
undue pressure on the skin by analyzing sensor measurements.
[0046] In S930 of FIG. 9, the wearable device checks the wearable
device seating status has changed in such a way as to require
action. If the wearable device seating status is unchanged, the
wearable device continues at step S910. If the wearable device
seating status is changed, the wearable device continues at step
S940. An obvious change of seating status is when the wearable
device was correctly seated and has now become incorrectly seated.
In one embodiment, a significant change of one or more skin-sensor
measurements is counted as a status change even if the wearable
device is still correctly seated.
[0047] In S940 the wearable device handles changes of state as
follows: [0048] a) If the wearable device seating has become
incorrect, the wearable device warns the wearer and changes the
bio-metric data processing to ignore the optical measurements. The
wearable device informs the wearer with one or more the following
actions: i) provide a textual message on the touch/display screen
(e.g., 27); ii) provide an audible message; iii) provide an audible
alarm; iv) produce a vibration to alert the wearer; v) show a
picture that indicates how the device is incorrectly seated.
Certain functions, such as bio-metric sensing, are turned off to
reduce battery power use. [0049] b) If the wearable device seating
has become correct, the wearable device informs the wearer and
changes the bio-metric data processing to process the optical
measurements normally. [0050] c) If the wearable device is no
longer being worn, the wearable device warns the wearer and
prepares to turn off the wearable device. If the wearer does not
respond to the warning within a pre-specified amount of time the
wearable device turns off the power to preserve battery power.
[0051] d) If the skin-sensor measurements change significantly
while the device is correctly seated, the wearable device changes
the bio-metric data processing to account for a slight device
tilting or pressure change. [0052] e) The wearable device maintains
a history of the device being worn and incorrect seatings. This
allows a doctor or care-giver to receive messages about and monitor
wearable device use.
[0053] In S950 of FIG. 9, the wearable device determines if it is
about to be powered off. If the wearable device is about to be
powered off, the wearable device exits this method 900. If the
wearable device is not about to be powered off, the wearable device
continues at S910.
[0054] Although specific operations are disclosed in FIG. 9, such
operations are examples. The method 900 may not include all of the
operations illustrated by FIG. 9. Also, method 900 may include
various other operations and/or variations of the operations shown.
Likewise, the sequence of the operations of flow diagram 900 can be
modified. It is appreciated that not all of the operations in flow
diagram 900 may be performed.
[0055] FIG. 10 shows a block diagram of an example of a computing
system 1000 upon which one or more various embodiments described
herein may be implemented in accordance with various embodiments of
the present disclosure. In a basic configuration, the system 1000
includes at least one processing unit 1002 and memory 1004. This
basic configuration is illustrated in FIG. 10 by dashed line 1006.
The system 1000 may also have additional features and/or
functionality. For example, the system 1000 may also include
additional storage (e.g., removable and/or non-removable)
including, but not limited to, magnetic or optical disks or tape.
Such additional storage is illustrated in FIG. 10 by removable
storage 1008 and non-removable storage 1020.
[0056] The system 1000 may also contain communications
connection(s) 1022 that allow the device to communicate with other
devices, e.g., in a networked environment using logical connections
to one or more remote computers. Furthermore, the system 1000 may
also include input device(s) 1024 such as, but not limited to, a
voice input device, touch input device, keyboard, mouse, pen, touch
input display device, etc. In addition, the system 1000 may also
include output device(s) 1026 such as, but not limited to, a
display device, speakers, printer, etc.
[0057] In the example of FIG. 10, the memory 1004 includes
computer-readable instructions, data structures, program modules,
and the like associated with one or more various embodiments 1050
in accordance with the present disclosure. However, the
embodiment(s) 1052 may instead reside in any one of the computer
storage media used by the system 1000, or may be distributed over
some combination of the computer storage media, or may be
distributed over some combination of networked computers, but is
not limited to such.
[0058] It is noted that the computing system 1000 may not include
all of the elements illustrated by FIG. 10. Moreover, the computing
system 1000 can be implemented to include one or more elements not
illustrated by FIG. 10. It is pointed out that the computing system
1000 can be utilized or implemented in any manner similar to that
described and/or shown by the present disclosure, but is not
limited to such.
[0059] All examples and conditional language recited herein are
intended for pedagogical purposes to aid the reader in
understanding the principles of the present disclosure and the
concepts contributed by the inventor to furthering the art and are
to be construed as being without limitation to such specifically
recited examples and conditions. Moreover, all statements herein
reciting principles, aspects, and embodiments of the present
disclosure, as well as specific examples thereof, are intended to
encompass both structural and functional equivalents thereof.
Additionally, it is intended that such equivalents include both
currently known equivalents as well as equivalents developed in the
future, e.g., any elements developed that perform the same
function, regardless of structure.
[0060] The foregoing descriptions of various specific embodiments
in accordance with the present disclosure have been presented for
purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to
be exhaustive or to limit the present disclosure to the precise
forms disclosed, and many modifications and variations are possible
in light of the above teaching. The present disclosure is to be
construed according to the Claims and their equivalents.
* * * * *